This is not a new comparison as it was done previously with the F10 528. Now time to see how far the N20 has raised the entry level (in the USA) 3 series game. Just by how much does it do that? Well, Insideline compared the 2010 3.0 liter N52 naturally aspirated six cylinder powered 328i to the new 2.0 liter N20 turbo four cylinder and the results are not all that surprising. The N20 328i ran the 1/4 mile in 14.1@98.9. The N52 328i ran the 1/4 mile in 14.7@94.8, fairly large difference for two motors rated at almost the same horsepower (240 for the N20 vs. 230 for the N52).

Clearly, the difference is greater than just 10 crank horses and considering we have seen stock N52 dyno's in the 189 wheel horsepower range and N20 dyno's in the 230+ range that tells you where those 4 MPH through the traps are coming from. It is not only peak horsepower at work, as the N20 has a fatter torque curve as well. BMW underrated the N20 quite a bit, not that we are complaining. Full results below.

I can say that the only true upgrade going from the E90 to the F30 is the engine. Having driven an F30; there is little more to be excited about. The steering response, solid feel and transmission all felt better in the E90 IMHO. Now, while this new engine is an upgrade in terms of performance and fuel efficiency, it is certainly a downgrade in smoothness and sound, go test drive one yourself.

I can say that the only true upgrade going from the E90 to the F30 is the engine. Having driven an F30; there is little more to be excited about. The steering response, solid feel and transmission all felt better in the E90 IMHO. Now, while this new engine is an upgrade in terms of performance and fuel efficiency, it is certainly a downgrade in smoothness and sound, go test drive one yourself.

I guess the F30 has the same 8-speed auto as in the X3? I was not a fan of that gearbox at all, when I drove the X3.